About Swansway Group

AN INFESTATION OF insects has helped to improve fitness levels at Crewe-based Swansway Garages. All 887 employees were offered a “fit bug” wristband, to track their levels of activity, as part of a healthy-living initiative.

The devices have resulted in the fit bug interdepartmental challenge, with teams competing to see which can walk 5,892 miles — the distance from company headquarters to Tokyo — first. Such an original approach to management is typical of Swansway, which represents 13 car brands, including Jaguar and Audi, across 20 locations.

Despite being spread across sites from Birmingham to Preston, employees still feel cared for as individuals (a 78% positive score). There is also a strong sense of team (76%), with regular events such as go-karting and horseracing.

Pamper days and days off for birthdays are also the norm, which helps explain why staff love working here (79%). Founder and chairman Michael Smyth remains the company’s heartbeat after 48 years at the helm, and his three sons have followed him into the business.